World Vision Zambia and Partners in the CATCH-UP Programme Orientation for Members of Parliament

In a major stride towards improving foundational learning outcomes in Zambia, World Vision Zambia actively participated in the orientation session for Members of Parliament (MPs) on the #CATCHUP Programme at the National Assembly’s Media Centre. This pivotal event aimed to equip policymakers with critical information about the project, foster ownership, and ensure the long-term sustainability of these vital educational interventions.

The event was officially opened by the Minister of Education, Hon. Douglas Syakalima, who was represented by Mr. Sydney Nalube, Director for Teacher Education and Specialised Services. The gathering, which included MPs, project partners, and education stakeholders, focused on strengthening the understanding and support necessary for the project’s success.

Mr. Nalube reaffirmed the government’s commitment, stating, “Strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy is fundamental to Zambia’s national development. The #CATCHUP Programme aligns with our broader education goals, and this orientation ensures that our policies and resources are aligned to support its expansion and sustainability.”

The #CATCHUP Project is specifically designed to bolster literacy and numeracy skills among learners in grades three to five. Nationally, the programme is being implemented in nine provinces, with the Copperbelt Province as the only exception. Implementation is jointly supported by the Ministry of Education and partners, with VVOB supporting eight provinces, while World Vision Zambia serves as the implementing partner for North-Western Province. It is being implemented in four out of 11 districts of North-western Province, Solwezi, Mwinilunga, Kabompo, and Manyinga, using a phased approach with technical support from Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Africa and financial support from UNICEF Zambia. Solwezi district is the first to launch implementation in 2024, followed by Mwinilunga, Kabompo, and Manyinga. 

As of now, the project has already reached 1,015, 498  learners, including 528,058 girls and 487,440  boys country wide, demonstrating significant progress towards its goals.

During the event, the importance of this orientation was underscored by the representatives present. 

The World Vision Zambia Education representative, Mr Dennis Daka emphasised that “building awareness and ownership among parliamentarians and community leaders is vital for the sustainability of the project. When local stakeholders understand the importance of early literacy and numeracy skills, they become active advocates and custodians of these interventions, ensuring they last beyond initial implementation phases.”

The project’s scope and current achievements highlight the necessity of such orientation sessions. 

“With the project data evidently showing learners acquiring foundational skills, either in language or math,  engaging community leaders and traditional authorities is crucial in ensuring lawmakers understand the impact and the mechanisms behind it,” says Mr. Daka.

The Committee on Education, Science and Technology Chairperson, Hon. Harry Kamboni, also highlighted the significance of the event. 

“This orientation is a critical step toward ensuring the project’s sustainability. Educators, parents, and community leaders now better appreciate the importance of learners acquiring foundation skills in early grades, which is essential for Zambia's development,” he says. “We need continued support from parliament to allocate resources and champion policies that reinforce these foundational skills.”

The orientation not only provided essential technical insights but also cultivated a shared sense of responsibility among lawmakers and stakeholders. It underscored that for the #CATCHUP Project to realise its full potential, continuous advocacy, resource allocation, and community engagement are vital. As Zambia aims to build a more literate and numerate generation, collaborative efforts like this will lay the groundwork for sustainable educational reforms

Together with partners like World Vision Zambia, the government is building a stronger foundation, one child at a time, toward a brighter future for Zambia.